Best Lakes for Boating in Arizona
Arizona may be a desert state, but it has some of the best boating lakes in the American West. From massive canyon reservoirs to intimate mountain lakes, there's a body of water for every type of boater. Here are the top lakes that keep Arizona boaters on the water year-round.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is the crown jewel of Arizona boating. Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, this massive reservoir on the Colorado River offers 1,960 miles of shoreline, towering red rock canyon walls, and some of the most stunning scenery in North America. With 161,390 acres of water, you can explore for years and never see it all.
- Best for: Houseboating, wakeboarding, fishing, exploring
- Size: 161,390 acres, 186 miles long
- Key launch: Wahweap Marina (Page, AZ)
- Pro tip: Book slip reservations and houseboat rentals well in advance — Powell fills up quickly in summer
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is Arizona's party-on-the-water destination, famous for spring break crowds, the London Bridge, and endless sunshine. But it's also a serious boating lake with 60 miles of navigable waterway, excellent bass fishing, and calm waters protected by surrounding mountains.
- Best for: Sport boating, water sports, fishing, socializing
- Size: 19,300 acres, 45 miles long
- Key launch: Lake Havasu State Park
- Pro tip: The Channel between Thompson Bay and the main lake is the social hub — anchor up and join the party
Saguaro Lake
Just 45 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Saguaro Lake is the closest quality boating to the metro area. Surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, this narrow canyon reservoir offers excellent fishing, cliff jumping, and scenic cruising. It's a go-to weekday escape for Phoenix boaters.
- Best for: Day boating, fishing, scenic cruising
- Size: 1,264 acres, 10 miles long
- Key launch: Saguaro Lake Marina (Butcher Jones)
- Pro tip: Arrive early on weekends — the parking lot fills by 8 AM in summer
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is the largest lake in the Phoenix metro area and offers the most diverse boating experience close to the city. Two-lane launch ramps, a full-service marina, and 10,000 acres of open water accommodate everything from personal watercraft to sailboats.
- Best for: All-around boating, fishing, sailing, water sports
- Size: 10,000 acres
- Key launch: Pleasant Harbor or Scorpion Bay
- Pro tip: The north end of the lake is quieter and better for fishing; the south end near the marinas sees more recreational traffic
Roosevelt Lake
Roosevelt Lake is Arizona's largest lake located entirely within the state. Surrounded by the Sierra Ancha Wilderness and Superstition Mountains, it offers a more remote boating experience with excellent bass and crappie fishing, long canyon arms, and campable shoreline.
- Best for: Fishing, camping, nature exploration
- Size: 21,493 acres (at full pool)
- Key launch: Roosevelt Lake Marina
- Pro tip: The Apache Trail scenic drive to Roosevelt is worth the trip alone
Canyon Lake
The smallest of the Salt River chain lakes, Canyon Lake makes up for its size with dramatic canyon scenery and crystal-clear water. It's a favorite for kayakers, small boat anglers, and families who want a scenic outing without the crowds of larger lakes.
- Best for: Scenic boating, fishing, kayaking
- Size: 950 acres
- Key launch: Acacia Picnic Area
- Pro tip: No-wake zones in the narrow canyon sections make this perfect for slow cruising and fishing
Lake Mohave
Stretching from Hoover Dam to Davis Dam on the Colorado River, Lake Mohave offers 28,260 acres of clear blue water flanked by dramatic desert canyon walls. It's less crowded than neighboring Lake Mead and offers world-class striped bass fishing.
- Best for: Fishing (striped bass, rainbow trout), cruising, swimming
- Size: 28,260 acres, 67 miles long
- Key launch: Katherine Landing or Cottonwood Cove
Bartlett Lake
A hidden gem northeast of Scottsdale, Bartlett Lake offers good bass fishing and a less-crowded alternative to Saguaro and Canyon Lakes. The unpaved road to the lake keeps casual visitors away, rewarding those who make the trip with peaceful waters and beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery.
- Best for: Fishing, quiet recreation
- Size: 2,815 acres
- Key launch: Bartlett Flat or Jojoba
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